One of the biggest and most valuable things I have learned while being on weight watchers is that less really does mean MORE! Cut the fat and calories where you can and you can increase the amount that you can eat!
When buying things in the grocery store look for key words like: lowfat, fat free, natural, whole wheat, low sodium, fiber enriched.
*If your gonna use cheese...pick a fat free kind.
*Instead of using butter...find a low fat whipped margarine instead.
*When flavoring foods stock up on spices instead of marinades. Spices like onion powder, garlic powder, chili power, paprika, basil, parsley, sweet -n- low (for the sweet tooth in us) and even liquids like red wine vinegar and lemon juice are all ZERO! Take advantage of this WONDERFUL thing. Mix and match spices and come up with combinations that you like to flavor different meats and veggies for a wonderful calorie free flavor enhancement!
*Buy fresh veggies when you can, not only can you eat more because you know what you are putting in them, but they taste better. A lot of canned veggies are so full of sodium and high sodium is bad! Sodium causes you to retain water, which could cause you to show a weight gain until your water intake matches your sodium intake.
*Buy fresh fruits or canned fruits in it's own natural juices. Watch for canned fruits that say in light or heavy syrup...this add sugar and calories that you could avoid!
*If your gonna eat cereal....cut out the cutesy kiddie cereal, eat a whole grain and sugar free if you need sugar add a tbsp of sweet -n- low....and always use skim milk.
*If you must use sandwich meats...find things like 98% lean turkey breast and ham. Avoid processed meats like bologna and hot dogs that are just full of bits and pieces of different things. You can find turkey hot dogs and bologna that are only 1pt a piece!! 98% fat free never tasted soooo good! :)
*When shopping the meat counter look for 97/3 and 96/4 ground beef, 97% fat free chicken and turkey breast (you can even found it ground if you don't like beef), and for others look for lean cuts and don't be afraid to ask the cutter to make special cuts for you that are leaner...that is their job and they are more than happy to do it for you!
*When being pastas look for whole wheat pastas and pastas that have added fiber. A great brand to look for is Ronzoni Smart Taste Pastas. They have spaghetti, penne, and rotini that I have found. A serving is only around 3pts, verses 5-8 with regular pastas.
*Bread is a weakness for me...I'm a southern girl I was cornbread fed! Being on a diet doesn't mean you have to give it up...low carb diets are soooo overrated! Find whole grain breads with lots of fiber....weight watcher hint...the higher the fiber, the less points. Natures Own has three types of loaf style sliced bread that is only 35 calories a slice....for those people who think 1 pt doesn't matter...it does when you can have 2 slices of bread for only 1 pt instead of 2 points per slice for regular bread, and best of all this bread comes in white, wheat, and honey wheat. Be sure to look for the white bags that say 35 calories per slice.
So what it all adds up to is when you make the smart decisions to cut fat and calories where you can, it really does mean you can EAT MORE! :)
:) Happy Healthy Eating! :)
Make it a lifestyle change, not a diet!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Beginning - My Introduction!
Weight loss to me is a constant journey. You have good days and you have bad days, the most important thing is not to let those bad days discourage you and make you give up.
I started my journey when I decided to join weight watchers with a friend in 2008. I found myself at almost 210lbs. It was a wake-up call for me when I finally realized how much I had let myself get out of control with not my weight, but my eating habits. With the support of my friend I managed to lose over 40lbs in one year...yes I did say in ONE year. Not only was losing the weight a huge benefit for my health, but it built my self confidence as well.
After going through a really rough patch in my life, I found myself back at almost 200lbs again at the beginning of this year and decided that it was time to take action again. After several unsuccessful weeks trying to get back on weight watchers, my wonderful boyfriend decided to step in and join me on my journey and help hold me accountable. Accountably, support, and encouragement are the three most important things you can have when you are trying to lose weight! This time with the help of him, my journey is not going to be a temporary "diet," this time I am making it a way of life. I'm not taking away the foods I love, I'm not doing strict dieting, and I'm not going to kill myself with outrageously hard exercise routines, I'm simply going to enjoy life and fill my spare time with the things I am passionate about instead of constantly sitting around and eating. I am going to turn my passion for photography and life into my inspiration for losing the weight and keeping it off for good!
I started my journey when I decided to join weight watchers with a friend in 2008. I found myself at almost 210lbs. It was a wake-up call for me when I finally realized how much I had let myself get out of control with not my weight, but my eating habits. With the support of my friend I managed to lose over 40lbs in one year...yes I did say in ONE year. Not only was losing the weight a huge benefit for my health, but it built my self confidence as well.
After going through a really rough patch in my life, I found myself back at almost 200lbs again at the beginning of this year and decided that it was time to take action again. After several unsuccessful weeks trying to get back on weight watchers, my wonderful boyfriend decided to step in and join me on my journey and help hold me accountable. Accountably, support, and encouragement are the three most important things you can have when you are trying to lose weight! This time with the help of him, my journey is not going to be a temporary "diet," this time I am making it a way of life. I'm not taking away the foods I love, I'm not doing strict dieting, and I'm not going to kill myself with outrageously hard exercise routines, I'm simply going to enjoy life and fill my spare time with the things I am passionate about instead of constantly sitting around and eating. I am going to turn my passion for photography and life into my inspiration for losing the weight and keeping it off for good!
As the days and month go by I will keep you updated on my weight loss process and give you tips, hints, secrets, and even a few great recipes.
Today I'm sharing a different kind of recipe, a recipe for success.
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Ingredients:
One part knowledge
One part self awareness
A pinch of successful advice
Ten parts emulation(desire, ambition) of success
Ingredients:
One part knowledge
One part self awareness
A pinch of successful advice
Ten parts emulation(desire, ambition) of success
Directions:
Mix your knowledge and self awareness into your emulation of the thoughts and behaviors of the successful.
Sprinkle lightly with the advice from those who have succeeded before you. Heat this mix with your own motivation. Cook for several months or until done, then repeat the process.
Mix your knowledge and self awareness into your emulation of the thoughts and behaviors of the successful.
Sprinkle lightly with the advice from those who have succeeded before you. Heat this mix with your own motivation. Cook for several months or until done, then repeat the process.
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